Zoe Winston, West Point’s First Astronaut Scholar

WEST POINT – Cadet Zoe Winston, Class of 2025, has been selected as West Point’s first Astronaut Scholar. The program aids the United States in retaining its world leadership in technology and innovation by supporting the very best and brightest scholars in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while commemorating the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts.

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, originally created by astronauts of the Mercury 7 mission, funds scholarships for college students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics across the United States. ASF seeks to inspire, encourage, and facilitate Astronaut Scholars to embody the highly respected astronaut characteristics, such as intelligence, ambition, self-motivation, high ethical standards, persistence, tenacity, adaptability, and a passion for science, exploration, and innovation.

“Congratulations to West Point’s first-ever Astronaut Scholar—Zoe Winston!” said Dean of the Academic Board Brig. Gen. Shane Reeves. “We’re proud of Zoe’s accomplishments and her tremendous potential. We’re also grateful to the Astronaut Scholar Foundation for this impactful partnership and opportunity.”

The prestigious Astronaut Scholarship is known nationwide for being among the largest merit-based monetary scholarships awarded to undergraduate STEM juniors and seniors.

About the Astronaut Scholar
Cadet Zoe Winston is a Mathematical Sciences Major from McLean, Virginia. She is the Vice President of Phi Kappa Phi, and a leader in both the Corbin Women’s Leadership Forum and the Math Forum. Guided by a strong passion for math and a desire to help others, Winston conducts research in the realm of Biostatistics. Specifically, she uses statistical approaches to study cellular metabolism looking to identify clinical biomarkers to be used for an earlier diagnosis of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy, the leading cause of maternal mortality. In the future, she hopes to impact maternal health care through a lifetime of research and working to improve the inclusivity and size of maternal health studies. Winston hopes to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biostatistics and serve as an officer in the Adjutant General Corps.

“The Astronaut Scholarship is an invaluable opportunity to make connections with academically driven mentors and peers from around the country,” said Winston. “This honor would not have been possible without the support of my friends, mentors, and family. I’m extremely excited to participate in the mentorship and professional development programs offered by the Foundation and grow as both a leader and a researcher.”